"The crimes we are talking about here obviously raise alarm and concern with the public ... but in general terms these crimes are committed against people who have dealing with people that are generally involved drugs," Commissioner Burns told 891 Breakfast.

"They have debts through drugs; in some cases outlaw motorcycle members and in other cases there are domestic issues involved.

"They are not offences that are random shootings targeting any member of the public."

Commissioner Burns said a lot of the shootings occurred in the early hours of the morning, when there were limited people around.

South Australia has recorded 13 shootings to date in 2013.

Mr Burns said although the amount of criminal activity was a concern for police and a drain on their resources, with victims not willing to cooperate with authorities it was very hard for laws to be enforced.

"If we haven't got the victims talking to police, it's very hard to bring someone to court and the court can't apply the penalties unless police put up a decent brief."

Commissioner Burns said they had arrested a female overnight in relation to the Sunday morning carwash shooting murder and had received positive leads on several of the other cases.